Introduction to the World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery 2013 Scientific Meeting and Paper Issue

The 7th biennial meeting of the World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (WSRM) was held in Chicago, IL, July 11 to 14, 2013. By all accounts the meeting was an overwhelming success in its comprehensive review of exciting advances in reconstructive microsurgery and complex reconstruction. The theme of the meeting was “Achieving Normal: The Ultimate Paradigm in Reconstructive Surgery.” Topic-oriented panels, invited lectures, and consensus forums critically assessed the utility and efficacy of contemporary reconstructive techniques. Highlights of the meeting included a premeeting symposium hosted by the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery that included a video session of advanced microsurgical techniques and two panel sessions on “Complex Reconstruction of the Head and Neck and Lower Extremity.”

The formal WSRM program showcased new innovations in reconstructive microsurgery and complex reconstruction presented by world renowned reconstructive microsurgeons from over 30 countries. In addition to form and function, the meeting showcased “Aesthetic” as an integral aspect of the reconstructive effort with special focus on animation, sensibility, and bone/joint defect restoration. A prize competition for “Best NORMAL result in a Complex Reconstruction” generated considerable interest with over 150 submissions from which a peer review panel selected eight for presentation. The winning case was “Composite Total Face Transplant” by Drs. Eduardo Rodriguez and Amir Dorafshar from the United States.

Notable highlights of the meeting included an introduction by Dr. Thomas J. Krizek on “Defining Normal in Reconstructive Surgery,” a lecture by Dr. L. Scott Levin on “The History of Complex Reconstruction,” a special lecture by noted genetic engineering pioneer, Professor Panayiotis Zavos, on “Cloning in Reconstructive Surgery: Fantasy versus Reality?” and a panel that addressed “Alternatives to Autologous Reconstruction: Anaplastology and Robotic solutions in Complex Reconstruction” with invited presentations by Drs. David Reisberg of the Department of Anaplastology at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and Dr. Todd Kuiken of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. The Scientific Program concluded with a panel: “Group Consensus on Achieving Normal in Complex Reconstruction.” Attendees participated in an open forum to debate specific questions regarding our achievements to date in complex reconstruction and to register opinions and consensus on current procedures utilized in reconstructive microsurgery and complex reconstruction.

The WSRM program featured 159 faculty members. There were 33 scientific sessions, 26 panels, 14 free paper sessions, 18 instructional courses, and 13 invited lectures. Our scientific program committee was composed of 41 members from 26 countries. The committee reviewed 670 abstracts and accepted 196 for podium presentation and 93 for electronic poster presentation.

WSRM 2013 was devised to raise the bar in reconstructive surgery using a world stage. The topics presented were insightful, controversial, entertaining, and most importantly, educational. A sampling of the superb, peer reviewed, papers accepted and presented at WSRM 2013 are offered in this issue of the Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery.